Kia America – Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving

Kia America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.


Affected models:

Report Received Date 20230317
NHTSA ID 23V179000
Consequence Summary A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.
Recall Code SC265
Potentially Affected 3555
Fire Risk When Parked Yes
Do Not Drive No
Recall Link Go to Recall (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V179000)

What the owner should do?

You can check if your specific car is affected by a recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website. The VIN is a unique code that identifies your vehicle and can be found on your car's registration, insurance documents, or near the base of the windshield on the driver's side.

Check recalls by VIN

If the recall involves your car, you should make immediate contact with a dealer or workshop that’s been officially authorised to perform repairs on behalf of the manufacturer and ask for the details.

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